Classics
Fiat 124 Spider
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Throaty four cylinder convertible with Italian lines.
If ever a car were created for the snaking coastal routes of California, it must surely have been the Fiat Spider. The 124 Spider was Fiats gift to itself to celebrate their 100th birthday, in 1966. The classically simple lines were created by none other than the legendary designer Sergio Pininfarina. It proved a tremendous success, with huge sales in America, particularly in the affluent coastal regions of California and Florida. Fiat even developed a Turbo charged version, for the US only in 1981.
From its creation, engine capacity increased gradually from a modest 1438cc to its final incarnation as a twin overhead cam, two litre fuel injected unit, producing 110bhp. Despite the rather modest power out put the car pulls strongly to a top speed of 110 mph.
To speak only of performance figures with the Spider however, is somewhat missing the point. The coherence with the components work together, provides a sublime driving experience. Cars of several times the Fiats value and prestige, would be hard pressed to match it for sheer enjoyment on a hot summers day, driving through twisting B roads with the roof down.
Many happy returns Fiat!
